This is the fifth story of the '#We are Eindhoven Airport' campaign. Every month we publish a new story on this page featuring an airport staff member, followed a week later by a podcast created by Summa Aviation Services.

The clock is essential in Ronny Balk's work. The Flight Officer at Viggo at Eindhoven Airport is responsible for ensuring that all processes concerning the aircraft are completed safely and within the scheduled time. From placing the chocks around the wheels, the registration check, to loading the luggage, boarding the passengers and exchanging information with the crew about numbers of passengers, luggage and the amount of fuel. Ronny: “We have to make sure that the planes can leave on time again, so it's vital that all processes are streamlined and finished within the right time.” If a process starts too late or threatens to take too long, Ronny jumps into action. “Then I'll quickly communicate with the right people to make sure we can continue.” In addition to ‘retrieving’ all information, monitoring the processes closely and communicating with colleagues on the tarmac, he is a Marshaller in addition to being a Flight Officer. In this role, he guides aircraft to the correct aircraft position on the apron.

Ronny has been working at Viggo for about two and a half years and feels right at home as a Flight Officer. “I'm an aviation freak, so I couldn't imagine a better place to work.” He enjoys working outside amongst the planes. And he gets a thrill from the daily hustle and bustle and the tight time schedules that need to be met in order to make the turnaround. “I'm close to the process and love it every time the team has made the turnaround time again.” Preparation is a top priority in his job. Having everything in place means he knows well in time how many passengers and pieces of luggage will be on a flight. He's also ready when there are any travellers on the flight who require a lift. The challenge is to maintain an overview because, according to Ronny, there is ‘never a dull moment’. Everything must be done safely and within specific times. “It's a wonderful feeling when you can do your job smiling in the midst of all the hectic activity. It shows you're an example to the crew and the passengers.”

Listen here to the podcast ‘Ready for Take-Off’ of Summa Aviation Services on Spotify or Apple podcast.     #weareeindhovenairport